Target Population: Survey Method

摘要

The determination of the target population and the survey method are described for a California project designed to provide technical assistance for determining the needs of and developing the services for persons with developmental disabilities who are not mentally retarded. The population studied consists of persons with cerebral palsy or epilepsy who are of normal intelligence. Determining the target population involved framing a definition of mental retardation, examining prevalence rates for cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and composing an equation that indicates the number of persons with cerebral palsy and epilepsy with normal intelligence in a given population. The project used a three - tiered strategy to assess the service needs or problems of nonmentally retarded persons with cerebral palsy or epilepsy. The first tier defined areas of concern. Initially, the project hosted a series of 6 informal sessions with 28 consumers, parents, and professionals where basic concerns, needs, and potential solutions to common problems were discussed. The second tier gathered professional input. Information from the informal sessions was reviewed and used to develop a structured but open - ended interview format. Interviews were administered in person and by mail and telephone to key service providers and planners throughout the State. The third tier gathered consumer input. Data from the initial sessions and the professional interviews were analyzed so as to develop a precoded needs assessment questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to be self - administered by adults and adolescents with disabilities and parents of disabled children. The intent was to collect information regarding the needs, problems, and goals of the target population. Appendices include the interview format, a list of agencies providing information, the consumer needs assessment questionnaire, a list of cooperating agencies, and a discussion of survey constraints. Notes and 29 references are provided.